The Chinese online retailer Alibaba is using AliExpress to expand its reach outside of Asia and challenge online giants like Amazon and eBay… but is it safe to shop there? Are there any security vulnerabilities you should know about? Is AliExpress secure? And are you more likely to be the victim of fraud or counterfeiting if you shop there? Here are the answers you need.

What Is AliExpress?

If you’re not familiar with AliExpress, here’s a quick primer: it’s a huge online retailer owned by The Alibaba Group, a multi-billion dollar corporation that started as a business-to-business buying and selling portal. It has since expanded to business-to-consumer, consumer-to-consumer, cloud computing, and payment services, as well.

To give you an idea of just how big Alibaba is, they reported over $14 billion in sales on Singles’ Day, 11 November, 2015.

AliExpress is Alibaba’s online marketplace aimed primarily at international buyers. It allows small businesses in China to sell to customers all over the world, and, just like Amazon, you can find just about anything there. It might be more accurate to compare AliExpress to eBay, though, as sellers are independent; it simply serves as a host for other businesses to sell to consumers.

Why Is AliExpress So Cheap?

If you browse some of the products on AliExpress, you’ll probably notice right away that many of the prices are really low and wonder why. There are two different distinct possibilities, both of which you’ll find in abundance on the site.

The second possibility that an item is extremely cheap is that its either counterfeit or fraudulent (or semi-fraudulent, as in the case of the GooPhone I5How to spot an iPhony! Are GooPhones as Good as iPhones?How to spot an iPhony! Are GooPhones as Good as iPhones?Do you own an iPhone 5? Or do you wish you could own Apple’s latest but can't afford the ridiculous cost? It may surprise you to hear that the iPhone 5 has a cheap knock-off...Read More). China is known as a hotbed of counterfeit production, and AliExpress is no exception. You can get all sorts of counterfeit items there, from electronics to clothing. Some sellers have also been known to defraud buyers by tricking them into paying before they receive an item and then disappearing with the money.

Beyond that, I haven’t been able to find reports of any vulnerabilities in AliExpress’s systems. Of course, not every vulnerability would be publicized, but this most recent XSS problem is by far the most glaring error on the record. And, according to the researchers who discovered the vulnerability, once AliExpress was made aware of it, they took it seriously and fixed it quickly.

Unfortunately, the researchers also reported that it took them a very long time to get in contact with anyone at the company, which is worrying, especially given the seriousness of the vulnerability.

However, there is one gaping hole in AliExpress: the merchant approval process. I can’t say what sort of process there is, as only merchants from mainland China are allowed to sell on the site, but there have been a lot of reports of scams on the site. So many, in fact, that the AliExpress Security Center has a section of fraud case studies and tips on how to avoid fraud when buying from their site.

So how do you stay safe from fraudsters and scammers when shopping on AliExpress? The same way you do everywhere else. Here are four tips — if you follow them, you should have no problems.

1. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

This is how scammers get you; they reel you in with the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime deal (this is one of the strategies used in the recent spate of eBay fraud10 eBay Scams to Be Aware Of10 eBay Scams to Be Aware OfBeing scammed sucks, especially on eBay. You invest so much time into selling a product or researching the perfect item, complete the transaction, and then… nothing. Do you know when you’re being scammed?Read More). Check other sites to see what the going rate is for whatever you want to buy to make sure that the price on AliExpress isn’t far too low. If it is extremely low, you’re probably buying a counterfeit product or being set up for a scam.

2. Use Alipay’s Escrow service.

Escrow protects you in a number of ways. First, your credit card details aren’t given to the seller, so you don’t have to worry about them stealing your identity or going on a shopping spree with your cardHow Credit Card Fraud Works, And How To Stay SafeHow Credit Card Fraud Works, And How To Stay SafeDespite what you may have heard, credit cards do get stolen, and credit card fraud happens, online and offline. But how does a thief get your card number, and how can you keep it safe?Read More. Second, the payment isn’t released to the seller until you’ve confirmed that you’ve received your purchase. So if you get scammed, you can just get an easy refund from AliExpress, and not have to go through the long, painful, and probably hopeless refund process with the seller.

3. Check the seller’s feedback before buying.

If a seller has a bad reputation for defrauding buyers, there will likely be evidence in their feedback and reviews. Be wary of sellers with any mentions of not delivering or sending sub-par goods. In the time I’ve spent on AliExpress, I’ve seen mostly positive reviews, and I’ve never had a problem getting what I’ve ordered. But it’s still important to be on the lookout.

4. Check your order carefully when you receive it.

Because the escrow system allows you to withhold payment until you’ve received your order, you can confirm that you got what you paid for. Make sure everything is included, that it looks like what you ordered, and that, if you bought a brand-name item, it doesn’t look like a fake.

AliExpress: Safe If You’re Careful

When it comes down to it, the evidence says that shopping on AliExpress is indeed safe, as long as you’re careful, and this is the case with any other online marketplace. Some, like Amazon, offer you more protections than others, but if you’re willing to pay attention to what you’re doing to save a lot of money, AliExpress is a fantastic option.

Do you shop on AliExpress? What has your experience been? Have you ever had to request a refund? Share your experiences in the comments below!

This article is a good start. However It misses many common frauds on Aliexpress beginning with "feedback" .
1. The feedback is often false. Sellers pay for good feedback. It is not possible to leave accurate and complete comments regarding your experience with a seller or product.
2. Good sellers ship ASAP. China Post delivers anywhere in the USA through the US Postal Service within 15 days, 20 max.
3. Aliexpress will not accept a "Dispute" against a seller until at amin 30 days and I have a "chat" from Aliexpress on-line which say I must wait another 43 days. It has been 1 month. Another 43 days for what?
4. On Line Cat "Customer Service" is a joke. They can't do anything at all except waste your time, provide mis-information in an effort to run out the clock.
5. Don't fall for the seller who wastes as much time as possible and then says he/she will re-ship your order. "Please you wait, give time maybe 43 days" They love 43 days. This buys them time. They receive your money and you can't do anything because it is too late.
HELPFUL HINT: File a complaint with your credit card company. They have a merchant agreement with AliPay Processing. They will either refund your money or file the complaint for you. They know the rules. Let the earn the large interest rate they charge consumers.
Remember you can't beat the Chinese at their own game. They invented the con, and they play it very well. The problem is they must wait so many days for their money to be released. If you get your complaint filed before the release date you have a good chance you will received if not all than most of your money back.
Consumer Solutions

First, AVOID Aliexpress Premium shipping as they charge you more than enough to ship it and tracking is a problem from the get go. When it does arrive, UPS is on your doorstep asking for their shipping, handling, C.O.D. and brokerage fees which add up to about 70 to 80 percent of the original cost of the item you bought. Go with the slowest mail service and avoid the scam UPS has in store for you.

I ordered two items from AliExpress on the same day from different seller.
One of them was delivered to my Address , from second seller I got an email saying Item has been delivered - but it never showed.
Went to track it found out it has been delivered to another state PO (3000 miles away).
Contacted Seller to ask him about my package? - He never responded (My guess is he doesn't speak English)
Opened dispute - proposed : Either tell me where the package is , in which post office and a phone number (so that I can contact them) or give me full refund since seller is at fault for not delivering item to the right location.
Seller rejected my proposal and offered his proposal ( Item is Delivered refund (0.00$)
It went on for around 10 days - I edit the proposal -seller copy+paste the same line.
AliExpress stepped in when purchase protection ran out.
I contacted the customer care , now thats the funny story, I don't think those people speak English either .
They copy paste the same line ' your order money is safe with us', 'We understand your concern and support you' , 'we know what you are going through (-do you??) ' ,' we will surly help you ' .
This went on for 20days.
And suddenly I get an email from them - your dispute has been closed , money has been released to seller .
Reason being - Your item cleared the custom and will deliver eventually.
**Are you serious , do you know ow what eventually means ?? , I can be 75 by then and it can still be ' eventually' **
Anyway it's been 4months since dispute was closed by 'Ali - almighty- I don't give a rats a** about my customers argument and worries -Express
I lost my hair and got some wrinkles under my eyes with this whole ordeal.
I lost my money, my time and found solace in giving poor rating to the seller and leaving an ugly feedback to the seller hoping someone would change their mind before they decide to order something from AliExpress again.

Exactly!!! I’ve experienced receiving completely different item and they won’t refund me!!! I am left w no choice but to fight it w PayPal!!!! I’ve wasted hrs w the chat. They make believe u will get help but don’t!!!

Very slow delivery. I ordered a product in may, it was delivered in August and half of it was missing. The customer service reps are very confusing, broken English, they tell you they are helping you but don't get back to you. They tell you to wait another ten days, then another ten, another 10 again until finally your dispute has expired and there's nothing they can do. It's a scam.
I'd never order from them again

Be careful very careful ! starts off good all smiles when u get yr product and it works when none of these happen watch out! truth about ali they just want yr money!!!!!! whether or not product fits its purpose or you get it they not too concerned they in mainland china what u gonna do fly over weekend get a refund. Dispute process very suspicious ali seems to support seller! Just remember in china not customer always right! Seller is always right!

had 3 issues now aliexpress in 3 weeks 2 tech products sent to me both faulty to get refund pay lot of money send it all way back to china myself but then can trust em refund me?
3rd product brought seller advertised ship in 24 hours after 2 weeks no shipment no tracking info inquire seller, takes very long time to reply almost seem does not want to answer me after 2 or 3 days replys back will send asap!
Inquire again with the seller will I be able to track my parcel seller says sorry out of stock!!!!! 1 day after he told me he was shipping it! Option to cancel order available for buyer choose option stated reason no product? Option cancel i found out subject to seller approval my request seller would not allow me to release my money!!!! Even though he was out of stock. seller would not reply for request of when new stockng arriving only after ali complaints dep contacted him did he reply back! Just be careful I will not buy at ali ever again sellers not trustworthy ali not supportive of customers when they have problems! Believe me I am not a disgruntled customer this is not only my exp but exp of all buyers will not reccommend just end up losing yr money and sleep and time dont trust!,!!,!! these crooks strong word but ali and sellers they not concerned abut a customer in orange county usa when they dont get their product as long as they get paid its scam ali should be reported on . I will make a report to my government its serious.

As an frequent customer of Aliexpress, I would like to add some comments:
1. In several years and countless small items I have ordered (I have A3 status) only once I didn't get what I have ordered, from a dodgy seller. But I did get full refund from Aliexpress.
2. When ordering something it is buyers beware - so if I order something which is advertised as "PU Leather", I will not be expecting real leather.
3. Every dispute, and in few years I can count them with fingers of one hand, was settled swiftly and satisfactory for me, and it was not always necessary for Aliexpress to step in.
4. What is important to know is that same product could be offered by many sellers and with very different pricing. So if you find something you like, search a little for a best price. I usually compare pictures to decide if it is the same product.
5. Knockoffs, copies etc. Do you really think you can buy Rey Ban sunglasses for 5$? If you order it you will get a knockoff, but it is to be expected. I do buy sunglasses from good companies like Vethdia, and get excellent sunglasses for very little - usually 10 to 20 $. Excellent polarized lenses, quality frames etc. So I would never pay 200 $ or more just to have Ray Ban logo on my glasses any more.
6. Delivery times varies - for me it is from 8 days to two months. It largely depends on the size of the package.
To sum it up, I can only recommend Aliexpress to you all!

I have had a really bad experience with Aliexpress, I am out of pocket NZ$238 to date and have nothing to show for it. I believe I have tried every avenue available to me to gain some sort of satisfaction but to date am bitterly disappointed. I will never buy on line again, this has been a bitter experience and taken a lot of my time as well as my money!

Walk away with your money while you can! I ordered from 4 separate sellers, who printed shipping labels, showing the package left their "facility" and is enroute to shipper, now 39 days. Other items I got were COUNTERFEITS and AliExpress will not help me, they make unreasonable demands to PROVE the item is COUNTERFEIT! What?? How about the seller having to prove the item they shipped is authentic! I'm out almost $500 right now, and sellers pages have disappeared mysteriously. I think it's 99% fraudulent and scammers, I won't take a chance that I might be the 1% that gets what they've paid for. STAY AWAY FROM ALIEXPRESS!

I had to call my credit card and tell them it really was me trying to buy something (they kept declining it until I called to verify). Although ... now I realize, after reading this article, that I should have used the "Escrow" service. Oops. :(

I've made probably 10 to 15 purchases on on AliExpress. I would say it's a mixed bag and the worst part is the lack of customer service. Some products have been great...decent quality, excellent price. Others have been poor....not the items shown or having significant damage. That is when the problem comes in. They have a dispute process which is long and arduous. In my case I submitted photos of some clothing I purchased with holes in it. I included photos showing clearly that the item was 4 inches shorter than the site said it would be (this was common when buying clothes...the measurements they state don't match up with what you get), but all of the photos were rejected for reasons they would not explain. Based on my experience, there is no reason they would ever refund your money. I would say it's a buyer beware and buy at your own risk kind of situation.

Yes,I do shopping regularly on ali express having A4 level membership. Honestly speaking I found ali express a real great site for online shopping out of hundreds of items there was not even aa single item I could term as counterfeit. What ever the seller has described the item was exactly like that in quality and quantity. I highly recommend you all the buy from ali express a real name of quality products. Few times I had to ask for refund which was given back to me well in time

I believe this was written by one of the fraudulent sellers from AliExpress. NOTE, THE ENGLISH in this post is improper, almost ALWAYS an indication of something from a source not to be trusted. 4 out of 4 orders I made from AliExpress, totaling almost $500, were counterfeit items, then YOU have to prove you received counterfeit items and the scamming sellers don't have to do anything, 99% FRAUDULENT, 1% AUTHENTIC. DO NOT BUY FROM HERE, beware, the whole thing is bad. AliExpress has no intention to fulfill their "guarantee" as stated.

This commenter is a shill. I challenge them to verify who they are and where they reside. I agree with Ms Anderson this person is bought and paid for by Jack Ma. This could have been written by him. It is how he speaks English. There is no such experience as perfection with every single item even with Amazon in the good ol' USA - where they do try to weed out bad sellers and listen to buyer complaints. Aliexpress had the potential to be a solid upstanding endeavor along with Alibaba. Instead they chose to rob, rape and pillage. Integrity, honesty - whats that?

Aliexpress does not realy protect you ehen you get a faulty device.
I bought an electronic device that worked for 5 minutes and died right after that. The seller didn't want to refund me and gave me instructions on reloading new software (how can you reload a dead device?). After that he said he agreed to refund me if I ship the device back but refused to provide me with a return address.
This was under a dispute in Aliexpress. But Ali didn't even read my messages in the dispute and ruled in favour of the seller.

Right on! I ordered from 4 separate sellers, who printed shipping labels, showing the package left their "facility" and is enroute to shipper, now 39 days. Other items I got were COUNTERFEITS and AliExpress will not help me, they make unreasonable demands for ME to PROVE the item is COUNTERFEIT! What?? How about the seller having to prove the item they shipped is authentic! I'm out almost $500 right now, and sellers pages have disappeared mysteriously. I think it's 99% fraudulent and scammers, I won't take a chance that I might be the 1% that gets what they've paid for. STAY AWAY FROM ALIEXPRESS!

Be aware that the dispute service of AliExpress is not as efficient anymore as people would believe.
You would expect that such service listens to the voice of the customer when goods are of poor quality or wrongly / not delivered. And to be honest I had some correct experiences in the past however I see that the service has degraded strongly and that disputes are now more often ruled in favor of the supplier even if correct proof was provided of non conform goods and even after launching an appeal.
I would be really careful while buying more expensive stuff from now on....
KR

DO NOT ORDER FROM ALIEXPRESS! Walk away with your money while you can! I ordered from 4 separate sellers, who printed shipping labels, showing the package left their "facility" and is enroute to shipper, now 39 days. Other items I got were COUNTERFEITS and AliExpress will not help me, they make unreasonable demands to PROVE the item is COUNTERFEIT! What?? How about the seller having to prove the item they shipped is authentic! I'm out almost $500 right now, and sellers pages have disappeared mysteriously. I think it's 99% fraudulent and scammers, I won't take a chance that I might be the 1% that gets what they've paid for. STAY AWAY FROM ALIEXPRESS! They are in on the scam with the fake sellers on this site!

Hi I'm going to buy an Elie Saab dress which AliExpress is selling at $280. This is my first time buying from them. Do you think it is worth it? Will I get the quality that is on the picture they have put up.

I have purchased several items from AliExpress in the past. Beware of sizes, in general they show chinese sizes, about 2 sizes smaller than US similar.
On 2 occasions the seller did NOT send the product although they said they did, and a refund was immediately issued by AliExpress without trouble and immediately. They both were for amounts of less than $5 US dollars each.
One one other occasion they thought my credit card was fake and requested a picture or pdf scan of my driver's license (which does not have my address).

I'm a little confused how the Escrow service works on AliExpress. Is it automatically something apart of AliExpress or do you need to set it up within AliExpress before purchasing, or do you need to go through a sort of service outside of the website? Thanks.

Chinese merchants do not understand well the concept of "escrow". That might cause a delay as I experienced once. Eventually AliExpress explained the escrow process to them and it came ok. Language is a serious problem with some merchants.

Here, it is your fault. It is the same as buying from Ebay, then the seller telling you to pay through another service such as Paypal so you are not protected by customer service. It's a common scam, not unique to Aliexpress.

I had my account suspended then terminated 5 days ago. I contacted customer support four times to no avail. The first reason they gave me was: account temporarily suspended due to security reasons. After contacting the infamous customer support and promising to do their best, I got the second email with a new reason this time: My account is terminated due to violations of the order protection program. This happened and I'm an A4 buyer with 50 ongoing orders! Now I cannot dispute or leave feedback for any of them!! Simply thift!! Moreover, the fact that I returned the money to some of the sellers after a dispute/refund did not seem to matter at all. I did this voluntarily after receiving some of the disputed orders after some 3-4 months!! I still had respect and returned the money through another purchase and none of that mattered! I'm beginning to think that some of the highly rated/recommended sellers have close connections to AE management and are untouchable! I doubt their rating system so much after noticing that some of the most decent sellers are not highly rated at all.

Aliexpress is not rich in the world
Aliexpress's launch is undoubtedly stifling the innovation of many industries in the world, all the goods want to participate in the competition only to fight the price war, so that the original fake rampant world market will lose its original power, "the world to create" the road Perhaps from this faltering, self-Gan fall, become the most unimportant part of the division of labor!
"Aliexpress for their own use of its monopoly in the market, detonated the major business price war, which sit fisherman's benefit from the surface, is for the sake of online buyers, in fact, hurt or buyers!
Hot online shopping will have a lot of terrible things appear, looking at those sales of tens of thousands of products, looking at the courier company piled up the express mail, feel a feeling of wind and rain.
The following are the same as the "
What is the way the future is shopping?
The vast majority of people will use the way to shop online shopping. Online shopping goods, good and cheap, and convenient, really good.
Adverse effects
? a large number of shops, clothing stores, tool shops, digital city, shopping malls, will be closed, even if it is hard to support, it is difficult to have surplus profits. Online often see hypermarkets, outlet and some previous major market has been in a recession.
? many retailers are unemployed, many salesperson, promoters will be unemployed. A lot of landlord boss's shop will be rented out. This part of the people is the first to be affected by Aliexpress, and the impact is the largest and most direct.
How will Aliexpress develop?
Small businesses will all die, at least 90 percent of the Aliexpress store will die, leaving 10 percent of the Aliexpress big business there is an absolute super price war. Vicious circle.
Aliexpress was established to allow all sellers to face consumers directly, to reduce the intermediate links, so that consumers get the benefits. The intention of the establishment of this may be good, but the speed through the evolution of today, it did not think it will develop into this. Will develop into the elimination of the entity brokers, and finally even manufacturers have to survive a lot of competition. Many of China's products have become almost no profit and have to do, and the product has appeared in the false prosperity of the situation, even if the streets are everywhere, but no one from the profit.
Even if the manufacturers can not profit, at most, earn a little money, because the sale is too cheap. Everywhere 9 9 packs of goods. A product is sold too cheap without a winner. Selling more and not profitable business is immoral business. When all the business is placed on the same platform above, there will be competition is too cruel situation, just as in a town is only suitable for a supermarket, and you have to open two, three, four or five supermarkets The truth, open a supermarket to make money, open two to protect the capital, open three can only lose money, not to mention Aliexpress on the opening of the same tens of thousands of the same.
The corner is doing Aliexpress. Aliexpress is the use of human weakness and greed, let us put the original industry into a vicious competition, endless vicious competition. Ultimately affecting the entire industry in China.
People of all ages will be online shopping
Online shopping development so fast is that we did not think of. From small to large, people of all ages are online to buy things. Aliexpress dares to lose money to sell people, a lot of people. Always someone dare to sell lower than you do. So, in order to map cheap, we all online shopping.
The mighty horse
From the current point of view, Aliexpress's momentum will continue to develop, irresistible development, Ma is a very terrible person, he had said a word, the future either e-commerce, or no business.
2013 Wanda boss Wang Jianlin not convinced him even played a bet, bet 100 million yuan. Said after a few years, if e-commerce more than 50 percent of the retail industry, he lost a billion, no more than Ma lost him a billion.
God, this gamble is terrible, the whole world 50% of the retail are sold to Aliexpress, and still very low or no profit to sell, but also affect the original store to sell the price, we think about it What will the world be and what the world's economy will be. The original from which to get profits and breadwinner how many people, how many families. I dare not think that there will be no profit in what will happen to the world.
Aliexpress continues to grow
With the continuation of Aliexpress, if the state does not control Aliexpress, Aliexpress's turnover will rise several times a year, no way, human weakness and greed prompted us to go wrong.
Ma is like an expert, but he is also a destroyer, he used the human greed (let the buyer covet cheap, so that sellers to sell more, so that ordinary people are greedy to come in competition, a cup of soup), the results made the original The healthy economy has become a great, very clever and very clever of Aliexpress. The atomic bomb is also this man-made out of the future destruction will appear.
Aliexpress as drug can not resist, Aliexpress as snowballs so that sellers can not extricate themselves, no profit snowball will be bigger and bigger, vicious competition has been inevitable. 2008 Ma has been rhetoric than Wal-Mart, when his Aliexpress turnover was 100 billion. While Wal-Mart 3.5 trillion that year. Aliexpress is definitely more than Wal-Mart, even ten times that of Wal-Mart, because its business model is perfect. Only the consequences are too serious. Ma may not expect their own Aliexpress will become like this. Small businesses are now almost dying almost the fact that the rest of the manufacturers are big businesses, still shopping, no way, do not fight to death, no one refused to quit, although now has a very low profit.
Aliexpress's chronic effects
With the retail outlets of all walks of life closed, many industries will be affected. The first group that is now affected is retail business owners. Although there is no way to completely die, but with the passage of time business will be more and more difficult. Self-employed will not earn money, and thus affect other industries.
1) affect the restaurant industry:
With many retailers close the door to eat, they will find ways to survive, perhaps a restaurant is a good choice, followed by the restaurant will be more competition will be greater.
2) affect the entertainment pastime consumer: such as KTV
Now every city KTV more and more open, better boss because the business is not good to do, and into the KTV, resulting in each city of KTV serious surplus. Today's KTV has no profit can be made, and many of the boxes are vacant a few days to sing a few people.
3) affect the hotel accommodation industry:
The number of hotels in each city, the occupancy rate of geometry do not have to say it again. Saying that Aliexpress only affected the interests of the retailers and shopkeepers, and had nothing to do with others. What can promote the development of manufacturing industry is really funny. Retail industry and each industry are closely linked, are indispensable, a damaged, successive victims. Today, every industry's manufacturing industry has been seriously damaged, and not everyone to see the manufacturing industry developed very well. Wealth will be in the hands of a handful of people, with more manufacturers collapse, the unemployment rate will be more, more people can not afford to buy clothes, can not afford the restaurant, can not afford beauty, look down on movies, can not afford House, can not afford to massage, can not sing KTV. Which led to the above industries gradually become depressed. Leading to the economic crisis of the whole country. People will be no business, this is Ma said his own.
4) Aliexpress on the low price competition, so that a large number of rubbish goods prevailed:
Enterprises only to pursue the price, not the pursuit of quality. Later want to buy some authentic online more and more difficult, want to do quality products business more and more difficult to survive, do not believe you look at the previous Aliexpress brand it, are now difficult to survive. Do not believe you can look at the past few years have bought the Aliexpress shop, how many families closed down, or you look at the previous few crowns, a few Golden Delicious shops, and now the number of monthly sales?
Refute the voice please disappear
1) Some people say that I am open restaurant will not be affected, I ask you if the retail shop dead light, the shops are closed, I would like to ask the self-employed money will not eat your food? Landlord boss no room rent, and will often come to patronize your restaurant?
2) I am doing beauty, the salary is not high, Aliexpress so that the yuan value, you can buy things.
I ask you, self-employed boss, landlord boss and restaurant owner are to reduce the income, not to do beauty, you will not reduce the guests and income? Your boss business is poor, you will not be unemployed?
3) I am selling the house and will not do anything to me. Well, I ask you, self-employed, landlord boss, restaurant owner, beauty shop owner business are affected, your house will not sell it?
4) Some people say so, the manufacturing industry developed well, the surplus labor can all go to the production and development of new industries Well, this is the inevitable result of the times. Aliexpress must be the reason. It sounds like a good oh Said the light, all the surplus labor to go to production, have to develop new industries?
You come, you come to refer to a Ming Road to open what kind of factory? What does it produce? What kind of new industry is it developing?
Have you considered?
5) There are more funny, do not sell things can send courier Well, or else open a Aliexpress. Do you know how many couriers can be delivered a day? All the unemployed you let them have courier delivery? Also open Aliexpress, Aliexpress almost dying still open Aliexpress.
Most of our country people, most people need to get some profits from the circulation of goods to feed themselves and their families, and other industries are also closely related. This is the next good, Aliexpress these people's jobs directly end off, all walks of life chain reaction has emerged, a long time the world economy must be a problem.
Foreign experience
Anti-dumping.
The product is too low to sell the crime. If a commodity is really cheap to sell to consumers, so that consumers get benefits, then why the developed countries to oppose the government? The government of other countries to ensure that the interests of certain links, can not let you break the rules. Can not sell the goods too cheap.
Any one thing should be reasonable Caixing, reasonable profits, reasonable competition, reasonable sales. However, Aliexpress's search rules make these things unreasonable.
1) Aliexpress most of the goods are not a reasonable profit, and many do not make money or loss to sell. Obviously wrong
2) There is no reasonable competition. Small business has been shuffled out, big business has just begun to vicious competition, obviously this is unreasonable.
3) There is no reasonable sales. Each product is usually only a few or ten to a huge amount of money, other people did not sell, the whole of China's business so that a small part of the people swept, and obviously unreasonable.
in conclusion
Perhaps some of the above-mentioned consequences have not yet arrived, and if the Aliexpress system remains the same, it is only a matter of time. At least the physical retail industry is about to collapse, there are shops do not have to go out.
Speed ??selling through the hot will slowly swallow all the industry, so that more people are unemployed, so that more factories closed, sales staff laid off, workers unemployed, so that wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of fewer people. The government of the tube of a tube, please friends do not use some of your local retail stores to refute me, or what other way out. What I want to say today is that most of us, those who do not have the technology, the ability of the majority of people in the future how to do. Maybe some people have a way to find a way out, seize the opportunity, but these people how to do? Starved to death After all, not a minority, is a large part.
For many objections, I can only say that our view is not the same, many of us are in the circulation of goods in the income, Aliexpress so that goods directly from the manufacturers to consumers, how many people will be unemployed? Although we have a temporary benefit, but you think about this loss to sell the model can be long?
Do not think of the future can rise wages, low prices, until the business is difficult to make money when there is no production of high value-added goods, up wages is entirely a good dream. It is pulling the whole body.
E-commerce originated in the West, but why did not Western countries such a pattern Aliexpress produced? From the norms of the Western system, absolutely not allow this shoddy, low-cost competition, but also do not allow fake flooding.
Aliexpress is now doing these things, the harm is as follows:
One, so that the integrity of the industry crazy growth.
For their own interests, let Aliexpress sellers brush credit. Do not this matter Aliexpress?
Otherwise, Aliexpress really want to build a good shopping platform, in fact, want to do something is not difficult. But Aliexpress would rather choose not to act! why? Free is Aliexpress access to today's market position killer. For free lethality, Aliexpress is very clear!
If you do not give credit, many new buyers in the Aliexpress rules under the current no way in the fierce competition in a place, of course, will not enter the Aliexpress shop. No new people to shop, Aliexpress platform depends on the development of it?
Second, mislead young people.
Advocate everyone entrepreneurship! Aliexpress is dead, let Aliexpress sellers, nothing more than want to attract more traffic, to achieve the purpose of creating Aliexpress Mall. Aliexpress is actually dead, some Aliexpress small sellers, in fact, can be traded very few.
Third, detonated the market competition in the price war.
To price as a standard of a scouring, will become a strangulation of corporate creativity of the tumor!
Fourth, the tax dried up.
Aliexpress caused by the decline of all walks of life, with the national regulatory sector liberalization, not only to a large, all walks of life decline, more terrible is the various tax sources will be depleted. People's livelihood, the country can imagine the future!

Please do not buy anything from Ali express! They are fraud. I have been a victim of the same
I ordered 3 products fromAli express, and its been 4 months now, i received none
More over i lodged for a dispute but even did not get my money back yet... its been 2 months for that too... PLUS they dont have any customer care service no mail nothing! Please be very careful, I would advice that its best to not shop from them

Three months and still waiting my money. Probably lost. AliExpress is scam. My account got terminated just after I added the tracking information of the phone I was sending back... (for avoid to get reviews from me, of course). The phone *surprisingly* never made to the seller, tracking information stops at China. I am going to write bad reviews till they figure out is more convenient to refund me....

I'm frequent buyer at AliExpress. I never had such mentioned experience with them. I had Lodge quite a few disputes and received 100% refund. In my experience only 3-4 out of 10 orders get delivered. Could you please? mention your case in detail. I would like to help you out

I'd recommend reading the article above and using that information to make a decision for yourself. If you're willing to put in the time to be safe, it's a good place to buy from. If not, you're setting yourself up for a lot of risk.

It's nice to see an author replying? to comments even after a year of publishing? the article.

Omkar patil

June 9, 2017 at 9:18 pm

Why there's random question marks in my last answer?

Omkar patil

June 9, 2017 at 8:54 pm

Hey Lauren,
I'm frequent AliExpress buyer. As per my experience it's completely safe but just few tips for you

1) always choose 'free registered air mail' for all orders
2) if you are buying something valuable or fragile go with paid delivery service.
3) unregistered? mail tend to get lost(stolen) often
4) but no worries in all cases if you didn't get the package you always get 100% refund.

My question is what about supplying your driver's license and or picture ID? Have the people who have shopped successfully done this? With no negative results? Do all the sellers request this or only some of them? I'd like to try it but am afraid to supply them with the extra personal information.

I've never been asked for this information myself, so I can only tell you what I've heard from others. It sounds like this isn't extremely unusual, and that most people don't have any problems after submitting this information. Hopefully someone else can chime in with their own experience.

I ordered two things yesterday for the first time. My order and credit card went through then I get this email after both of them. I had to hit the Appeal button and yes it asked for all kinds of personal documents. I don't understand why when the card went though! I uploaded them with the numbers blocked out and waiting to see if it goes through now but one of them did charge my card already. I am confused and have never seen anything like this where they ask for all that person information. Dan?

Thank you for shopping on AliExpress !

We are sorry to inform you that we have to cancel your order for security reasons. To make sure your transaction is secure, please provide us with documentation by clicking My Appeal for further verification.

When we receive your documents, we will verify them within 3 business days. If the documents are valid, you can reorder on Aliexpress.

Same issue here. Even I ask my 3 friends to order one product, but all are failed and asking about all documents. I have not provided the back photo where ccv is mentioned. But Aliexpress wanted credit card photo, statement of card and id proof. They suspended my account without any reason. And also not allowing anyone to order, without all the information. Aliexpress is real site or they wanted all the card details only?

You know, I don't know why they need all of that information. It definitely does seem suspect. But at the same time, if a site was so blatantly stealing credit card information for nefarious purposes, it seems unlikely they'd be such a successful retailer.

Eliza

May 14, 2017 at 7:42 pm

They approved me and I ordered what I needed. I am guessing is smooth sailing but that is the first time I have had to go through that much effort to buy off a site!

HelloDear. I purchased from the seller sona visual security a surveillance camera device with a free connection via the dhl and then received a message from the seller that he will send it via Aramex and also at no additional cost. After 10 days, the item arrived in Lebanon and I received a telephone call from Aramex. It required me to pay an extra $ 80 instead of handing over the device. What is the work especially that this amount is out of agreement and outside the subject matter of the transaction. Please follow up and answer me . thank's to all

Dear buyers,
I have long experience with AliExpress, so you can trust me.
The AliExpress IS NOT A SAFE TRADING ENVIRONMENT AT ALL, I am not talking about the quality of materials and sellers, but i am talking about AliExpress ITSELF.
Very simple AliExpress can make you to LOSE THOUSANDS of DOLARES within one second, just by closing your accounts where you can't to do anything about your made Orders.
Now thinking if you have orders within the thousands of the dollars( Only you can say: GOOD BY MY MONEY ).
This case happened with me, but i was lucky because i don't lost too much money.
Note: My AliExpress classification is A4, mean that i am best than 99% of the AliExpress buyers.
Note: I have a documents for the above issue.
Take Care

My account is suspended, I contacted Aliexpress few times but they didn't solve anything. I can't open dispute and purchase protection is running out for few of my orders. And I'm waiting more than 2 mounts for the orders even delivery for my country is 17 to 25 days. They also blocked my review possibility, I can't comment about them or about the seller, so the reviews you are reading about the products and services are also fake. They are scamming people. When they notice that you didn't receive your order and that purchase protection is running out they will block your account just so they don't need to make the refund. AVOID!

Been shopping with Ali express for a while now, inso far as its probabley safe to shop...you have to be careful as most of the goods are substandard and should issues or problem arise you may have no support from Ali express who from my experience seems to support the trader rather than the buyer.

The dispute system is not at all supporting the buyer with sellers mostly asking for video upload to support when they well know Ali express do not support this and email would not upload videos.

Do your research propely and do not rely on the reviews and should you go ahead pay by a methord in which you are offered recourse should things go pearshape.

Yes, you definitely need to be careful when shopping AliExpress. Your comments about customer support/dispute are interesting; I've heard a lot of people say that it's much easier for the seller, but a few say that their buyer support is really good, too. "Do your research properly" is probably the best advice you can give on AE!

AliExpress buyer support is bad. For example there is no way to proof that buyer sent you a broken thing. No package damage. Simply selling broken watch. There is no way to prove that it wasn't you. Be ready for no refund.

I have had really good experience with AE and I am from New Zealand. Goods are high quality, delivery is sometimes quite slow but it is free delivery, so what is there to complain about? I have bought more than 60 items and have always got my refunds (a couple so far) due to goods arriving damaged in transit or not quite as described. So far, have been really happy and prices are much lower than elsewhere, a good site for women's fashion and men's clothes. Much better quality than expected, so not sure why there are many who complain about service, delivery and quality!!

I have ordered many times via aliexpress. I am from Mauritius. I never had a bad experience ( delivery, packaging, communication are good). Infact the sellers are friendly and reply to your messages. Still, before ordering, you should check the history of the store as well as the feedback. It might be some of the sellers provide fake product. Overall I have a good experience and the goods are of good quality.

I have tried to use Ali Express and I ordered one item. When I tried to order a 2nd item, it became very hard to complete the transaction. The customer service chat is worthless. And you can only log onto your home computer. I tried to log on from work, and I was not allowed to get to my home page. STAY AWAY, if you are ordering from the United States.

I have ordered from Ali Express for 3 years now and have had mostly problems with delivery but never a problem getting my money refunded. Most of the time postage is free but if you want a refund is on you for return postage.

MY experience through aliexpress has been very good, although with some seller fake products ( which I was aware during the buying) it seems they didn't even send the products, in this cases I dispute through aliexpress and the results had been on my favor ( given proof with pics tracking etc).
I MADE 330 purchases in aliexpress, 16 didn't came, During the 1 year of been a client, every dispute has been very easy to filled.
To my country it always takes much time to process the delivery ( customs is slow, local mail is slow) but the sellers send the items rather quickly, the packages get here between 1 or 2 weeks, the rest of the time, 2 or 3 months is the burocracia in place in my country. But for this reason I ask the sellers for extended buyer's protection period, before I even consider a dispute.
MY payments has been clear, every amount well specified on my credit card report.
Every refund made by aliexpress has been clear in the report too.
The only recommendation I could think of is about the app , which has a flaw system when the payment appears, sometimes it ask me the 3 digits security nunbers of the card , sometimes it processes the payment without this step.
After all, I think my money is secure, and the system in place really works in favor of the buyer, when you are a conscious buyer , and you have track of every item, expire of protection, ratings, communication with seller, then you will have a satisfying experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience; over 300 purchases is a pretty remarkable number. it seems like if you're careful, and know what you're getting into, there's a good chance you can have a good experience on AE.

Do you think that eBay and Amazon offer better protection than Aliexpress to the buyers? I don't think so because I had bad experience to dispute in eBay and Amazon because their dispute process are unclear and their contacting methods are highly painstaking and confusing. Aliexpress surely created a better dispute system than eBay and Amazon and the item descriptions in there are far more better.

As a buyer, I do understand that sometimes the shipping of an item can be delayed due to various problems such as postal strike or traffic problems. Therefore I think it is a more human way if the buyers would give the seller a one-time extension, say 15 days, to give some extra delivery time to the item, rather than creating a dispute right away. Put yourself into the seller's position, I believe that you would also hope that your buyers would understand your uncontrollable difficulty and thus slow down the dispute process with a hope that the item will be received by then.

On another hand, there are buyers who want to get the products for free by claiming "Item Not Received" on purpose. Are you one of them?

Aliexpress does honour their purchase protection. However if a problem arises and the seller offers an alternative solution, you lose all purchase protection if you accept it. Long story short. If a problem arises just get your money back.

The problem is the Aliexpress Appeal process. Once you are in, you cannot pay until they get your uploaded documents. Can you imagine uploading your Amex card info, including a
statement, and a driver's license 6 times with the comment- "System busy-Try again later?"
I contacted the "CHAT" page and was told the system was always busy.-Try Google Chrome. they said.
Uploading is limited to specific files-pdfs, jpegs etc. and a limit on file sizes. Out of frustration,
I sent a wire transfer which cost $25USD. They would not accept PAYPAL or just a card until
the Appeal is cleared. Terrible communication. Better to deal with Amazon or EBay.

I have had the same experience. STAY AWAY from Aliexpress. It is very difficult to order from Aliexpress. And asking for your personal information, is very suspicious. Not sure why I was directed to the appeals process. Giving your personal information to a company affiliated with the Chinese Government, is a bad idea. STAY AWAY if you are ordering from the United States.

My experience with Aliexpress was pretty dismal. I put through an order for 4 items. They rejected the order asking for additional information. They request copies of my driver's license, Social Security card, my credit card and the CCV number on the card. All via the internet or e-mail. Seriously? I ordered two of the items again and it the order went through. Their system says both items have been shipped but neither has reached the US yet, it has been two weeks. A week after I placed my orders with Aliexpress, I ordered an item direct from one of their vendors (one of the item orders they rejected) and that vendor when dealing with them directly was pleasant, responsive and I received my item already. Another item I ordered via ebay from a Chinese vendor and it will be here in a couple of days.

I'll never do business with Aliexpress again. I just hope the two items I did order actually arrive and are what I ordered.

You're definitely not going to get anything from Aliexpress in two weeks. You just have to go in with that expectation. As for asking for all the ID, that's pretty weird. I haven't heard of that before.

I've done a lot of purchases from Aliexpress Most of them cheaper parts and never had an issues. Shipping is a little longer then normal but you do get good deals and well worth the wait. You do have to watch some of the sellers but those types of sellers can be found anywhere . Recommend Ali express to anyone I know

I ordered an in dash DVD Navigation unit from this store: ShenZhen Evan Car DVD Player Store. It had some issues and the vender (Len Hu) requested that I not start a dispute but they will make it right. All they do is drag it out until the 30 day appeal and review limit is reached and then you will not hear from them again. Now I am stuck with a $400 defective unit. START A DISPUTE OR THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF.

If you know how to get in touch with live person at AliExpress, please
let me know.
I ordered some Gold Plated Chain Necklaces from a supplier I have ordered
from several times before with no problem. The order come to $249.90 from
S925Mall was paid by Mastercard on Feb. 25, 2017 and was supposed to be shipped free by DHL. The shipper stated the tracking no. was 2613956932.
DHL stated they could not find a shipment by that number.

I contacted S925Mall which stated the order was never shipped and advised me to open a dispute with AliExpress. I have been trying to open a dispute with AliExpress for over a month filling out forms and going in circles not ever reaching a live person. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it.

There is no live person, AliExpress is platform for third party sellers. Your money is held in escrow by AliExpress until you mark the item received. What's the status on your dispute? They're all shown under your account along with a countdown timer for the next action. If something doesn't happen, it rules in your favor. Most will state an on-time delivery date, and a month hasn't even elapsed since your order. If you look at the dispute, it'll probably either say "you can't open a dispute because the allotted delivery time hasn't elapsed yet", or "awaiting response from supplier", along with a countdown.

Irene

February 6, 2017 at 8:40 pm

The seller is not wanting to issue a refund on product I did not receive. Upon order I was informed that it could take up to 58 days for my order to arrive after which I could open a dispute and request a refund. I have been in contact with the seller and they are asking for a different reason to issue a refund.

That's rough. Doesn't sound like you have much recourse other than repeated emails. Sorry to hear about your issues!

Karen Sedgman

February 4, 2017 at 9:47 pm

I've been buying from AliExpress for a couple of years now and have only had problems with one seller where I didn't receive the products, and that may well have been because of customs here in Australia - who knows, really? But to give the seller their due, they have continued on through the process and I finally received my refund. And as far as shipping time - I place my order and then forget about it until it comes! It's like Christmas - sometimes I've forgotten what I ordered and it's a lovely surprise! I do see a lot of reviews from all over the world complaining about shipping time - goodness me, it's free, what's to complain about? We also need to remember that our messages are translated from and into Chinese (or whatever), but I don't have an issue - in my experience the sellers are always very polite and willing to please. Yes, you do need to check out your sellers but there's plenty to choose from and I'll certainly continue to use them. For the price we pay, we're always taking a risk, we just have to be aware of that risk.

I have tried to negotiate with a supplier (Rose Natural Healthy Items Wholesale) who refused to help ma so I ended up lodging a dispute with AliExpress, and AE has judged against me. Thus I do NOT have 100% buyer protection.

I ordered WHITE bed fabric from'Rose Natural Healthy Items Wholesale.' I chose 'white' from the product description color list,... but I DID not receive WHITE. Aliexpress says I am stuck with this beige/yellow fabric stating that the colour on the computer screen is diffrent to the actual produt. But I orderd WHITE from the description list, I did NOT choose for an image. I expect white. I have zero buyers protection.

I have lodges a dispute to Aliexpress: fail reason 'NO PHOTOGRAPHIC or VIDEO EVIDENCE'
I have lodges an appeal to the dispute: fail reason 'NO PHOTOGRAPHIC or VIDEO EVIDENCE'
but I have supplied photographic and video evidence weeks ago. They just can't se it.

If the item is defective, you can open a case and get your money back or the goods resent. As for "customer service", this is not a single company, it's a group of sellers. AliExpress is a platform, just like eBay.

I have shopped multiple times on ali express. It has been great, they have all the same items as the Claire's shop, and something that costs 19.99$ on claire's costs 1,60 in ali express and the quality is the same.

Hi I was coned by a seller on AliExpress - I purchased a HDD at a very reasonable price . The Seller had sold multiple units . however the item failed to arrive.
I looked on AliExpress' wed site and came across a very similar Item ( same photo & description) - on further examination I discovered that it was the same seller but a different name -
I contacted AliExpress and highlighted this individual - I had to do this through a very long and tiring process - If i remember rightly the complaint I made was through Ali's sister Site Allbaba.com - I'm a buyer on both websites.
AliExpress did not refund me the monies I had being robbed of - instead they offered me credit for a limited time this credit has since ran out and I never had a chance to use It . I'm still not sure if the culprit was ever brought to book for his crime . But the fact that AliExpress did not directly reimburse me is criminal - I still buy stuff from suppliers through AliExpress & AliBaba but I so mush wiser now and don't buy from anysellers unless they a well rated and a long time seller . I heard a story that AliExpress were selling 'Gold Ratings' to sellers - so my respect for them is limited ..

You're certainly not the only one with a story like this one. It can be risky shopping on AliExpress, but the payoff is that you can get stuff really cheap. Everybody has to decide whether the risk is worth it!

I bought a phone and the seller sent me a different one, half of the value.
Then they lied saying they sent the correct one, I sent them pictures and all product codes so they can check internally and they kept saying the same bullsh.t!

Then Aliexpress offered a total refund and when whey I clicked to accept that proposal it showed me that I accepted a partial refund, of just 48 USD, which cover only 20% of the money I lost for this SCAM.

NEVER buy in Aliexpress, even a seller called as "official" with some reputation are cheater, Chinesse don't understand what is to have the trust of a customer and don't know what does it mean a customer unsatisfied.

Yeah, that's the exact sort of thing I'm trying to help people avoid. Sometimes it's just going to happen, and that's the risk you take ordering from this site. There's never a way to be absolutely sure that a seller is legit unless you've worked with them before. Is that a reason to not shop on AE at all? That's up to each buyer.

So far I have only bought from sellers with good rating & which have a lot of positive feedback. The only problem is it takes between 2 weeks to 2 months to get the items purchased. But shipping is free!

I've used AliExpress many, many times, and it's always been great. My first purchase was a scam, because I didn't know much about the service and therefore didn't check the info, but when I reported it, they sent me an email letting me know the seller was being prosecuted and they gave me a refund. Ever since then, it's been nothing but good experiences.

Have made over one purchases for aliexpress, most turn out to be very reliable and quality products, have had about five dodgy purchase, but I'm miles in front with saving over all to make buying there worthwhile.

I have a few online accounts. Aliexpress is cheaper than Ebay or Amazon on a lot of items but not all. The service is very bad especially the live chat customer service cannot do anything for you. They are just for show. You will need to file a dispute at the end. The first process takes 1 week, the seller will again message to you to solve. The second week, Aliexpress will take another week to step in. If you did not receive your item yet case, then you will have to wait for 1 month process. After he case is resolved, the refund is another delay and can be 1-2 months although they claims to be 15 business days max. I find the sellers on Aliexpress are very bad mannered and more likely to cheat you than other online. Aliexpress software are the worse of all these online accounts I have. I would say Aliexpress are the worse rank of online seller but their lower price charges to seller make them competitive.
Ebay USA are in the second place of customer service, refund time, process time and less bad sellers. If you have another country account other than USA account, then the service are very bad. They are just slightly better Aliexpress.
Amazon is the best of all in terms of very little bad sellers, better service, better refund and better process time. The only problem is the price is a little bit higher than others on most items, not all.
There few other websites that are better than Aliexpress but they are slightly a little bit higher price on most things. Sometimes you have to pay a little bit more for service and ensure your item is not a reject QC item. Aliexpress sellers like to sell scraps because Aliexpress is not strict on them.
I find all of these online webs just want to earn money and less care if buyers are cheated.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I think you're right about customer service; AliExpress has a pretty bad reputation for that. I guess it's a trade-off between service and price. There's pretty much no beating AE on price, though the international shipping can take a long time.

I have a bit of experience shopping direct from China on Ebay and now Ali-express. I have had one slightly bad experience from an Ebay seller, so far nothing but good experiences from Ali-express. Given that the prices on Ali-X are WAY lower than either Amazon or Ebay, and that many Chinese sellers seem to be more comfortable dealing with a Chinese middleman, I don't see a good case for using any other retail site for Chinese-made goods. And if three weeks for shipping is a problem, just remember that it's free, even for small purchases.

That's a good point; it's all about trade-offs. You can save a huge amount of money, but it's going to take a while to get to you, and there's always the possibility of having a bad transaction. That said, it seems like a great way to get Chinese-made goods from elsewhere in the world.

Just having a nightmare with a seller "Super E Times", stay away from this seller as far as you can. I purchased an item from them, paid in full. The next day seller informed me that the item is out of stock, and requested me to cancel the deal. So I did cancel the order. But then the seller rejected my cancellation order for no reason and refuse to return my money for no reason. Ali express can't do anything about this bad seller, so please stay away from them.

I've purchased numerous items through ali. NOT ALLL GOOOD.....NOT ALL BAD. Yesterday, I received a pair of shoes I'd been waiting for like 8 weeks! Sooo excited to wear them. Hmmmm......2 left shoes!!! Not a shoe for my right foot. I hit dispute. Sent pictures. They just sent me a message stating "I think they are the right shoes." Urghhh.....I asked him if he was blind. I did NOT want a refund, but merely the right shoe. They are fighting me on it. They only reason most of those stores have a HIGH feedback score is because they bully the buyer into leaving them 5 stsrs!! I opened dispute on a pair I did not receive. Well, stupid me went and ordered 2 more pair. Not realizing it was the same store, ANY way, they TOOK my money and NEVER shipped the shoes. They said they will give me a refund when I get them 5 stars! I could go on, but I won't !!!
Buyer Beware!!!

That's rough. It's really tough to know if you're going to be working with a good seller or not, especially if feedback scores aren't accurate. I've never ordered anything other than electronics from AliExpress, and I don't actually know many people who have—that could be part of the issue. Anyway, yes, buyer beware is definitely relevant for the site. Thanks for sharing your experience!

That's very unusual. If you open a dispute rather than communicate with seller, AE steps in and with photos to prove the 2 left shoes, AE would rule in your favour. I bought a dress which had one button crushed in transit, I opened dispute and was happy for a replacement button to be sent to me. Instead AE ruled that it was defective quality and I got a full refund a few days later.

Sounds like people can have wildly different experiences with the dispute and customer service processes. Thanks for sharing this, though; it's good to know that sometimes their customer service does do a good job!

Thanks for the informative article. I've suspected the points in your article but haven't done the research. One question still lingers in the China merchandise. What about human rights violations to make these produce cheaper such as using children and forced labor?

Well, that's a whole nother issue that would require a lot of investigation. It all depends on who you buy from, I suppose, and I don't know that there's much you can do to find out if you buy from somewhere like AliExpress. However, I feel like most of the things you're likely to buy elsewhere were probably made in China, too, and could have the same issues.

It took more than 35 days for the product which I ordered to get shipped. Prices may be low for the product, but keep an eye on the shipping charges, which would add up and make the product more expensive. But some times we have no choice as the product we are looking for is available only on AliExpress but no where else.

And this way you don't have to get in touch with your bank and go through that whole process. It doesn't really take any extra time, either. Definitely seems like the best choice. Also, you use your credit card for the escrow payment.

I've never heard of DealExtreme—how do they compare on the number of products offered? What made you use the site in the first place?

And yes, super slow delivery is a concern not just for DealExtreme, but pretty much any Chinese marketplace that I've heard of (which isn't all that many, but it does seem pretty consistent). Could be because shipping of any type other than "it'll get there someday" would probably be crazy expensive.

That's true—the site is absolutely massive. I don't know the stats on how big it is compared to any other sites, but I can see how it would be really easy to get stuck looking at the same thing from different sellers for a long time. Choice paralysis is real!

Dann is MakeUseOf's Creative editor. After an MA (and most of a PhD) in psycholinguistics, he fully committed to digital and print journalism. With over 10 years of professional writing experience, he's written about everything from cognitive science to mountain biking.